John Richard "Dick" Helton

John Richard Helton July 11, 1927 June 17, 2015 John Richard "Dick" Helton passed away peacefully on Wednesday June 17, 2015. Memorial services will be conducted at 4:00 p.m., Saturday, July 11, at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Waco. Reception will be 5:00 8:00 p.m., Friday, July 10, at The Braswell home in Lorena. Dick was born at home in Pollard, Alabama on July 11, 1927 to Grover Cleveland Helton and Virginia Madge Betts. Following graduation from Flomaton High School, a year early in 1945, Dick joined the Navy. He landed on Guam and served as a Coxswain and an M.P. through the end of the war. After the war, Dick began a long career as a cattle buyer. Starting with Swift Packing Company in Mississippi, judging cattle came naturally to Dick. He transferred to Ocala, Florida where he met Loriece Turner, who was working as a secretary. Their relationship blossomed into romance until they married on November 2, 1952. For over 51 years, Dick was a highly respected buyer throughout the South, many years traveling as much as 100, 000 miles. His work carried him at times as far as Texas or, occasionally, Puerto Rico. He soon became known for his ability to estimate the yield weight with uncanny accuracy. His career spanned several companies. Respected for his kind acts, he easily made friends and forged many lifelong friendships. In 1997, he retired allowing him and Loriece to move to Texas where they would be close to the light of their lives: their grandchildren, Cinco and Richelle. Dick was a tall, quiet, strong man with a quick wit and a genuine, easy smile. He was admired for his high principals and was a pleasure to be around. His siblings regarded him as a loving, caring brother who was there for family when needed. Dick was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws, Rueben and Laurine Turner; son, John Richard "Ricky" Helton, Jr.; and brother, G.C. Helton, of PA. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Loriece Helton, of Lorena, Texas; daughter, Tricia Braswell and husband, Robert, of Lorena; grandson, Cinco Braswell of Boulder, CO; granddaughter, Richelle Braswell of Lorena; sister, Ginger Boward and husband, Dick, of Phoenix, AZ; sister, Gene Huett and husband, Dave, of Granbury, TX; cousin, Linda Kay and husband, Don, of Granbury; sister-in-law, Bonnie Helton, of Columbia, PA., sisters-in-law, Ailene Turner Hudson, of Crystal River, FL, Margie Turner Saults of Perry, FL, and Bobby Turner Simmons of Atlantis, FL; and many nieces and nephews. Dick loved his family. Honorary pallbearers are Kurt Frank, Ruben Maldonado, Bruce Mohan, and Dr. Eugene Fung. Having been blessed with exceptional caregivers, Dick's family would like to express their deepest gratitude to Dr. Tim Martindale, nurse, Michelle Chinn, along with Jennie Fulp of Providence Hospice; Darlene Garcia of Nurses Unlimited; and those many assistants from Providence Home Health, especially Pat Wood, Linda Lindsey, and Vicky Harris. In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions in Dick's name be directed to Waco Montessori School, 1920 Columbus Ave, Waco, TX 76701; St. Paul's Episcopal Church EYC youth group, 515 Columbus Ave, Waco, TX 76701; Providence Hospice 6700 Sanger Ave, Waco, TX 76710; or the charity of your preference. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our "Memorial Guestbook" at www.WHBfamily.com.